Cuban record-holder Erick Hernández achieved a world record today by heading a Baseball Five ball at the Copacabana Hotel, completing 4,626 touches in 35 minutes – an unprecedented feat in this demanding sporting discipline.
This time, «The Dominator» faced a unique challenge as the ball used has a much smaller striking surface than a football, significantly increasing the technical difficulty and precision required.
«It’s a completely different experience; it demands absolute focus because the slightest deviation can make you lose control of the ball,» he told the Cuban News Agency after accomplishing the feat.
The event began at 10:00 a.m. with judges and spectators closely following each touch at the Havana beachfront resort.
Hernández confessed he felt great anticipation given this record’s difference from his usual attempts.
«It commanded respect from the first training day; heading a conventional football isn’t the same as a Baseball Five ball – smaller, faster and less predictable in its bounce. Plus, the neck position is more angled, making it more exhausting.»
At 59, a Physical Culture graduate and former footballer, Erick confirms his enduring prowess by adding this achievement to his extensive collection of over 30 world records, many certified by Guinness World Records.
He also announced plans to adapt this novel practice to a seated position, a variant he considers «extremely demanding due to lumbar strain.»
His most immediate goal will be attempting the most football headers in one minute – a test he’ll repeat to compile sufficient evidence for the feats magazine’s certification.
For the Havana native, this achievement – his third this year – carries symbolic value: «It’s tribute to Cuba’s Baseball Five players who’ve brought us such joy with world titles. This sport has grown tremendously in our country and I wanted to honour it with a record worthy of its stature.»
With this new record, Hernández reaffirms his message of perseverance, willpower and discipline – values he says form the essence of every challenge he undertakes.
On 31 May, Erick headed a football while seated for 1 hour, 20 minutes and 36 seconds with 1.5kg weights on each ankle.
Last April, also at Copacabana Hotel, Hernández controlled the ball for 10 hours, 13 minutes and 3 seconds using only his head and feet without employing his thighs.
